MP will vote to lower abortion limit (From Watford Observer)

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MP will vote to lower abortion limit

7:16pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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Watford MP Claire Ward will vote to lower the abortion limit to 20 weeks, if an amendment is added to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill when it is heard in Parliament next week.

Following an appearance on the BBC show The Daily Politics, to discuss the topic of working mothers, Ms Ward is gradually returning to work after taking time off to have her second baby.

In the House of Commons she will also add her support to the use of embryos for research, but will vote against plans to the remove the requirement of a need for a father in the consideration of IVF.

Ms Ward, who supported stem cell research, said: "I intend to support the use of embryos for research. Although it's a really difficult ethical decision, there are so many people who might be helped by research."

About abortion, she said: "I made a commitment in 2005 that I would vote.

"We need to make a clear distinction between abortion time and the viability of babies. It's been 18 years since Parliament had the chance to vote on it, it could be the same before it returns. I think we need to look not just at this immediate year but to the future about the progress of medicine and medical technology."

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Winston, watford says...
8:11pm Thu 15 May 08

funny that earlier Claire Ward has declined the Watford Observer's request to discuss the Government's decision to abolish the 10p tax rate saying she is unavailable to comment as she remains on maternity leave.

Clearly double standards are at work!

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Mr Elliott, watford says...
7:33am Fri 16 May 08

here we go again....C ward cant comment to a local paper about the 10p tax, but can make a TV appearance. As for voting in this bill...has she contacted any of her residents to seek their views, or is she as usual just voting with her party. When is this woman going to start representing the people of Watford.

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Steve Rackett, North Watford says...
4:59pm Fri 16 May 08

I disagree with Claire Ward on many things.

However, as Green Party Parliamentary candidate I was involved in a public debate with her during the 2005 General Election, attended by several hundred people, and organised by Christians Across Watford at St Thomas' and reported by the WO.

At that debate she did make her position clear and say how she would vote on this issue if she became MP again, and she is keeping to that commitment.

Yes, Mr Elliott there are many things where she clearly doesn't represent her constituents, and yes Winston, I agree she should have used the opportunity given to her to defend the less well off when the 10p band was abolished.

But on this issue, she said what she would do before the last election and is now doing it.

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